Stunning Le Méridien Maldives Chosen for New SSI Skill Videos

Scuba Schools International (SSI), one of the world’s leading scuba diving training agencies, has launched a major new video production project at the stunning Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, in collaboration with Sub Oceanic Maldives. The multi-week shoot will produce fresh scuba training videos, brand visuals, and lifestyle content – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

A Natural Partnership in the Northern Atolls

Located on Thilamaafushi Island and surrounded by more than 50 dive sites, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa was selected not just for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, but also for its shared commitment to sustainability, education, and exceptional travel experiences.

“We are honoured to be selected by SSI as the location for their new training videos. Le Méridien Maldives offers a truly inspiring backdrop, where crystal-clear waters surround a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life,” said Thomas Schult, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. 

“Our naturally formed island is home to a flourishing marine ecosystem, making it an ideal setting for professional dive content and for guests looking to discover the beauty of the underwater world.”

Guests can dive and snorkel directly from the island with Sub Oceanic Maldives – the on-site SSI dive center – and immerse themselves in a curated marine experience that blends education with exploration.

Meet the Dive Professionals

SSI issued a global casting call earlier this year, seeking instructors who reflect the breadth of the diving community across cultures, ages, genders, and experience. Six professionals were selected, representing Spain, Hungary, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Kenya. These instructors reflect the diverse, global community at the heart of SSI’s mission.

Meet the Cast:

• Alejandro Embid (Alex), 29 – Spain, SSI Open Water Instructor
• Kornel Toth, 47 – Hungary, SSI Divemaster Instructor
• Gordos Mateo Gojunco, 42 – Philippines, SSI Instructor Trainer & Certifier
• Sita Angela Jaekel, 35 – Indonesia, SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer, XR Instructor
• Chun-Ping “Pyng” Lin, 37 – Taiwan, SSI Master Instructor
• Jacinta Kimani, 29 – Kenya, SSI Open Water Instructor

Whether it’s Gordos’ years of teaching across Asia, Jacinta’s fresh perspective from East Africa, or Sita’s commitment to inclusive dive education in Indonesia, each model brings something unique. Together, they represent what SSI stands for – passionate, professional educators from around the world.

Behind the Scenes with Sub Oceanic Maldives

Sub Oceanic Maldives plays a key role in the shoot, managing underwater logistics and providing two of the instructor-models. Their local knowledge and technical expertise have been vital to the production’s success.

“Sub Oceanic Maldives is incredibly grateful for the trust of SSI to execute such a huge video project,” said Florian Gansl, Head of Operations at Sub Oceanic Maldives.

“Our biggest concern was that the vast number of turtles on the house reef might swim too often through the scenes. We very much appreciate that the SSI Production Team is willing to take that risk!”

A Vision for the Future of Dive Education

This initiative is part of SSI’s long-term strategy to modernize underwater education. The new content – including high-definition skill demonstration videos, lifestyle imagery, and surface footage – will support SSI’s global training programs and digital presence for years to come.

Explore more about SSI’s global training network at divessi.com.

Learn about Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and Sub Oceanic Maldives to experience this unique collaboration firsthand.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

SSI’s media and training teams, alongside Sub Oceanic Maldives staff, are working closely each day to choreograph dives, capture ideal conditions, and film across multiple sites. Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and updates will be shared online throughout the project – giving the dive community a chance to witness the collaboration in action.

Want to be the first to see the new videos and behind-the-scenes moments? Follow @divessi on Instagram to stay connected as the Le Méridien Maldives project unfolds.